That’s right, folks. One of the most intriguing, mystique-making storylines of the Odd Future saga, the rumor that “missing” member Earl Sweatshirt had been barred from OF activity against his will by his mother (resulting in the fan-fueled “Free Earl” campaign) has been dispelled. Last month Complex broke the news that Earl (government name: Thebe Neruda Kgositsile) had been discovered at a Samoan school for troubled youths – apparently by order of his moms. But in a newly published, eight-thousand word piece for The New Yorker , Kelefa Sanneh reveals via direct email correspondences with Earl that this is, in fact, not the case. And furthermore, given the hostilities directed at Earl’s mom by rabid OF fans, he’s pretty much over the whole “Free Earl” movement.

As Earl tells Sennah: “The only thing I need as of right now is space. I’ve still got work to do and don’t need the additional stress of fearing for my family’s physical well-being. Space means no more ‘Free Earl.’”

Sennah’s full article is available to digital subscribers, or on the newsstand (remember those?). Everyone else: read more here .